Abstract

Background

Various recommendations exist for total water intake (TWI), yet it is seldom reported
in dietary surveys. Few studies have examined how real-life consumption patterns,
including beverage type, variety and timing relate to TWI and energy intake (EI).

Methods

We analysed weighed dietary records from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of
1724 British adults aged 19–64 years (2000/2001) to investigate beverage consumption
patterns over 24 hrs and 7 days and associations with TWI and EI. TWI was calculated
from the nutrient composition of each item of food and drink and compared with reference
values.

Conclusions

TWI and beverage consumption are closely related, and some individuals appeared to
have low TWI. Energy from beverages may be partly compensated. A better understanding
of interactions between drinking and eating habits and their impact on water and energy
balance would give a firmer basis to dietary recommendations.